Helping students succeed

Graduate. Transfer. Succeed. That is the motto of the TRiO Student Support Services program at Otero Junior College.

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By OJC Staff

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By OJC Staff

Posted Sep. 3, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By OJC Staff

Posted Sep. 3, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Graduate. Transfer. Succeed. That is the motto of the TRiO Student Support Services program at Otero Junior College. TRiO is a federally funded program started in the mid-1960s to address the war on poverty. Eligibility for the program is determined by any one of three criteria: first generation college student status, income eligibility, or the presence of a documented disability.

The services available to eligible students include tutoring; academic advising; career exploration; assistance with transferring to four year institutions; financial aid assistance; and workshops to help develop career and life skills.

"The goal is to provide the comprehensive services needed to increase academic standing, retention, graduation and transfer rates," said Holly Lewis, TRiO Support Services director. "We are here to help our students achieve their academic, personal and professional goals."

The real proof of a program's success comes from those it is intended to help. Cassi Rapp, a sophomore in OJC's TRiO program is not sure that she would still be at Otero without the support it offers.

"Without TRiO, I wouldn't have known where to start," said Rapp. "I have received career assistance and help with scheduling classes. My advisers are always supportive. They are there to listen and help with personal and academic problems. Mrs. Newby is a math genius. She knows it and can teach it. Mr. Davis is a great adviser."

The role of TRiO goes beyond academic assistance. "TRiO is like family, but I actually want to be around them," joked Rapp. "We all support each other. The staff holds you accountable while encouraging you and supporting you. I would recommend that those who are eligible apply for the program."

Adriana Perez, another OJC TRiO student, agrees that there is a sense of community within the TRiO program. "The advisers and students in the TRiO program accept everyone," said Perez. "They have become an extra support for me along with my family. We take care of each other. If a new student has a class one of us had in the past, we help them learn how to study for that class and what that instructor's exams look like."

Perez also praises the workshops offered by TRiO. "We have learned different ways of note taking, how to manage finances, all kinds of things," said Perez. "If a student is struggling with something, the advisers will help them look for resources."

The important thing according to Perez is for students to take that first step. "Don't hide. Get involved," Perez recommends. "TRiO is like a box of chocolates. We are all different, but we all fit."

Gabe Guerrero, a TRiO student who graduated with an associate of arts degree in May, credits TRiO with helping him complete his degree. "The tutoring I got in American government and math really helped," said Guerrero. "I am not sure I would have made it without that help."

Page 2 of 2 - TRiO also served as a place for Guerrero to get his class work done. "The TRiO room was a great place to go and get work done without distractions," said Guerrero. "It always has a welcoming feeling to it and there is support from both the student group and staff."

OJC's TRiO program is funded to assist 180 new students each year. TRiO's retention rates from fall 2012 to spring 2013 and fall 2012 to fall 2013 were higher than for the general OJC population.

For more information on the TRiO program at OJC, contact Holly Lewis at 384-6835 or holly.lewis@ojc.edu or the TRiO office line at 384-6896.